As the United States finally opened its borders at the beginning of the month, it's time to finally go and put down your bags in Uncle Sam's country. And to go and get the Florida sun as the first winter chill arrives. And coming to Florida without visiting the Keys would be a real mistake. This string of sublime islands, not far from Miami, deserves at least a few days' getaway

Key Largo, the island of water sports

Located in the southernmost part of the American continent, these islands are linked by a single road that crosses 42 bridges suspended over the water. Let's go for a magical road-trip, from Key Largo to Key West via the Dry Tortugas to discover these heavenly American islands!

From Miami, it will take you 1h15 to reach Key Largo by road. This island owes its popularity mainly to its magnificent diving sites, which have earned it the title of "diving capital of the world". John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park, the first marine park in the United States, was created in 1963 to protect the coral reef and is the perfect place to go snorkeling. Located about 30 minutes by boat from the shore of Key Largo, the park offers pristine seabed with translucent waters. If you're lucky, you may see sea turtles or rays behind your mask. And if you're not a diving enthusiast, you can still see the seabed from a glass-bottom boat on a tour. For water sports enthusiasts, paddles and kayaks are available for rent at the park's entrance, and Key Largo's calm waters are a joy to paddle. Finally, if nothing tempts you because of jet-lag fatigue, you are free to laze on one of the two small beaches on site

Islamorada, the kingdom of sport fishing

From Key Largo, it takes about 20 minutes by car to reach Islamorada, an island described as the "sport fishing capital of the world". Big game fishing is done at ocean level while tarpon fishing is done on the bay side. But it is really the tarpon that is the most popular in Islamorada. You can see them drawn all over the island but you can admire them in flesh and bone at the famous marina called Robbie's Marina where hundreds of tourists come daily to feed hungry tarpon. The tarpons devour this food at a surprising speed and the spectacle is all the more impressive as they are really big fish, some of them being up to 2.50 m long! To recover from your emotions, you can then go and meet the dolphins at the Theatre of the Sea! This marine animal park, located in the mangrove, is home to, among other species, rays, sharks, turtles, sea lions and dolphins in a 100% natural setting and in semi-liberty. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the park's two rescued dolphins, which are very close to humans. Assisted by a caretaker, you will be able to interact with them and, if all goes well, they will even give you a small gift..

At the end of the day, head for Morada Bay, a sublime complex of bohemian-style restaurants on a beautiful beach lined with coconut palms where the sunsets look like a postcard. And if you're in the area on a full moon night, don't miss the full moon party, an evening of fiesta under the full moon with shows, dancing on the sand and fireworks!

Marathon, the island of the Seven Mile Bridge and scuba diving

From Islamorada, it takes 45 minutes to drive to Marathon Key. It owes its funny name to an employee of the Seven Mile Bridge construction who exclaimed: "But it's a marathon! And Marathon is where the famous Seven Mile Bridge begins, the longest bridge in the Keys, which gives the feeling of rolling on water because it is in the middle of the sea, with nothing around. Tell the car passengers to get their smartphones ready just before they get to the bridge, they'll be taking photos and videos that will be all the rage on Instagram!

But Marathon is best known for its beautiful scuba diving sites including the Sombrero Reef, near a lighthouse, and the artificial Marathon Reef formed by part of the old Seven Mile Bridge. As for swimming enthusiasts, they will not be left out thanks to Sombrero Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Keys. This fine sandy beach has the advantage of being equipped with picnic areas, a children's play area, toilets, and a watering hole... In short, everything you need to spend a great day at the beach!

The other singularity of Marathon Key is its hospital for marine turtles: the Turtle Hospital where guided tours are organized to educate the general public about the protection of marine turtles. Accompanied by a guide, you will see dozens of turtles being cared for at the hospital and you will be told about their rescue. The part of the tour where you see the turtles in remission in different tanks is the most impressive

Key West, the most festive and popular Key

At the end of the chain of islands, at the end of the road, we finally arrive at the most famous of all the Keys: the famous Key West which prides itself on being the southernmost of the American continent. Key West retains the charm of the old Caribbean cities built by pirates and fishermen with its multitude of beautiful wooden houses perfectly restored. To get a feel for it, leave your car in the parking lot and ride your bike through the streets. It's the best way to visit and the cheapest way, as parking fees are high. Many celebrities have lived in Key West including Tennessee Williams, President Truman and even the Beatles. But Ernest Hemingway was the most emblematic character of Key West. His beautiful home has been turned into a museum and can be visited. It is there that Hemingway wrote for whom the bell tolls. Everything has remained true to the time when it was inhabited by the writer. And you can still see the descendants of his polydactyl cats, which can be petted and photographed without difficulty

In Key West, you can, as in the other Keys, practice idleness on the magnificent beach of Fort Zachary but the island offers even more leisure activities than the other Keys. For example, you can take a tour of the island's main attractions aboard the Conch train, a very picturesque ride, or a Sunset Cruise, a mini-cruise that allows you to admire the sunset at sea. But you can also admire the sunset by going to the famous Mallory Square promenade where the atmosphere is always very friendly

Finally, Key West is home to a very diverse population and for a very long time a large gay and transgender community. So don't miss to go and see one of the mythical drag shows on Duval street; we recommend you the shows of Aqua or 801 Bourbon Bar, good atmosphere guaranteed! You can then continue the evening on the very festive Duval Street, this long street has the largest number of bars in the Keys!

Dry Tortugas, a must-see off Key West

Located about 110 km from Key West, the island of Dry Tortugas is not to be missed! You can make a day trip, the boat trip takes 3 hours. It is surrounded by a series of seven coral reefs that bathe in crystal clear waters. On site, you can admire a large fort perfectly restored: Fort Jefferson, a national monument with an amazing history where very interesting guided tours are organized and recommended. You will always keep in mind the image of this red brick fort which contrasts sublimely with the turquoise water which surrounds it...

Useful information

When is the best time to visit? The Floridian climate is subtropical and therefore hot and humid. In the Keys, temperatures range from 25°C in winter to 35°C in summer.

How to get there. Average price of a return flight from Paris to Miami: between €600 and €950 depending on the season and the airline. Flights are direct from Paris-Roissy CDG and last on average 9 hours. From Miami, the best thing to do is to rent a car and take the road to the Keys (1h15 for Key Largo; 3h30 for Key West)

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